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The Social and Religious Designs of J. S. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos

This new investigation of the Brandenburg Concertos explores musical, social, and religious implications of Bach's treatment of eighteenth-century musical hierarchies. By reference to contemporary music theory, to alternate notions of the meaning of "concerto," and to various eighteenth-century conventions of form and instrumentation, the book argues that the Brandenburg Concertos are better understood not as an arbitrary collection of unrelated examples of "pure" instrumental music, but rather as a carefully compiled and meaningfully organized set. It shows how Bach's concertos challenge (as opposed to reflect) existing musical and social hierarchies. Careful consideration of Lutheran theology and Bach's documented understanding of it reveals, however, that his music should not be understood to call for progressive political action. One important message of Lutheranism, and, in this interpretation, of Bach's concertos, is that in the next world, the heavenly one, the hierarchies of the present world will no longer be necessary. Bach's music more likely instructs its listeners how to think about and spiritually cope with contemporary hierarchies than how to act upon them. In this sense, contrary to currently accepted views, Bach's concertos share with his extensive output of vocal music for the Lutheran liturgy an essentially religious character.

The Neuroscience of Bach's Music

The Neuroscience of Bach's Music: Perception, Action, and Cognition Effects on the Brain is a comprehensive study of Johann Sebastian Bach's music through the lens of neuroscience and examining neuroscience using Bach's music as a tool. This book synthesizes cognitive neuroscience, music theory, and musicology to provide insights into human cognition and perception. It also explores how a neuroscience perspective can improve listening and performing experiences for Bach's music. Written by a physician-neuroscientist recognized for scholarly articles on Bach's music, this book uses specific examples to explore neuroscience across Bach's compositions. The book is structured to discuss the brain's action, perception, and cognition as connected to specific Bach concertos, tones, notes, and performances. Two guest contributors provide insight into exact mathematical, or topologic, and music theoretic aspects of Bach's music with implications for cognitive neuroscience. The Neuroscience of Bach's Music: Perception, Action, and Cognition Effects on the Brain is a vital source for neuroscientists, especially those studying the cognitive effects of music, as well as musicians and students alike. - Links specific features and unique characteristics of Bach's music to perceptual and cognitive neuroscience processes - Requires only an interest in music or basic music training - Accompanied by a companion website with music examples mentioned in the book

The Organ Works of Bach